The Languages spoken in Guyana

Due to a diverse culture that Guyana offers, it is quite inevitable for its people to speak quite a number of different languages and dialects. Being influenced by the Europeans, Americans and Indians, the Guyanese have been entitled to several languages. However, their national and official language remains to be English. Though at some schools, the English language that they have been teaching are of the British basics. Also, the other languages and dialects are most likely based on the race and ethnicity of the speaker and at the same time the geographic location or where the speaker is situated.

Guyanese Creole, or Creolese or Guyanese to its speakers, is an English-based Creole language spoken by more than 700,000 people of Guyana. It is an English lexified language with influences from the Dutch, French, West African, Arawakan, Caribbean, and Indian languages.

Aside from English and Guyanese Creole, people of Guyana also speak of the following languages: Portuguese, Saint Lucian Creole French, Urdu, Chinese, Akawaio, Arawak, Atorada, Berbice Creole Dutch, Caribbean, Hindustani, Macushi, Mapidian, Mauayana, Patamona, Pemon, Skepi Creole Dutch, Waiwai, Wapishana and Warao.

Their words are not much far from that of basic American English. Girl in their language is “Gyal.” Boy in their language is “Bai.” “How are you?” in their language is “How yuh do?” “Do you understand what I am saying?” in their language is “Yah understand wah meh ah seh?”

Even though Guyana has a diverse cultural background and its people practice quite a number of different languages, it is still easy for them to communicate as their influences do not have much of a difference.

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